Red alert in Pak after reports of terror attack

Security was tightened after intelligence tip off that four suicide bombers might carry out attacks in capital Islamabad.

Security was tightened and a red alert declared in Islamabad on Friday following an intelligence tip off that four suicide bombers might try to penetrate the Pakistani capital and carry out attacks with the help of a local person.

The suspects, identified as Noor Mohammad, Arungazaib, Sher Gul and Hashim, belong to a banned militant group and planned to enter Islamabad to carry out the attacks, media reports quoted police officials as saying.

The four terrorists would enjoy the support of a local, Sher Mohammad, and stay with him.

Intelligence and law-enforcement agencies had started checking hotels in the twin cities for the presence of any suspects, they said.

The foreign office has asked diplomats and foreigners to restrict their moments till further announcement, local daily Dawn reported.

Officials of the Indian High Commission here said no such information has been conveyed to them yet.

Heavily armed police were seen deployed in many parts of the city which has already experienced two suicide attacks, one on January 26 at Marriot Hotel and later on the airport on February six.

Security around important buildings, government offices, shopping centres had already been tightened, and hospitals alerted, police said.

Checkposts have also been set up. Islamabad and Punjab police have established pickets at all main roads in the capital as well as exit and entry points, and vehicle were being checked strictly, police said.

In Peshawar, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Abdul Majeed Marwat has said that security has been tightened in Peshawar after reports from secret agencies that more sabotage activities have been planned.